R.I. Building and Construction Trades Council raises $2,500 for Big Brothers Big Sisters

GREAT CAUSE: From left, Michael F. Sabitoni, President of R.I. Building and Construction Trades Council; Taylor Millspaugh, BBBSOS Development & Communications Coordinator; and Scott Duhamel, Secretary-Treasurer of RIBCTC hang out with some Big Brothers and Big Sisters and their “Littles.”

(Submitted photo)

Posted Thursday, April 20, 2017 3:03 pm

More than 1,000 proud union members and their families from the Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council (RIB&CTC) cheered on the Providence Bruins Sunday while supporting the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State (BBBSOS) at the same time. It was all part of the 7th Annual Rhode Island Building Trades Hockey Night at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence. Two dollars from every ticket purchased was donated to the BBBSOS. During a special, first period presentation, RIBCTC President and Johnstonian Michael F. Sabitoni, who is also Business Manager for the Rhode Island Laborers’ District Council, and Secretary-Treasurer Scott Duhamel presented a check in the amount of $2,412 to BBBSOS Representatives. Families received free P-Bruins hats and enjoyed great lower level seats. Not only was it an exciting time for Building Trade families, but also Little Brothers and Little Sisters who were able to spend a great night out with their adult mentors.

“We are grateful for the generous support from the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council and the Rhode Island AFL-CIO,” stated BBBSOS Executive Director Katje Afonseca. “This amazing partnership has allowed us to pair disadvantaged children in with a caring, adult mentor who can serve as a strong, adult role model throughout their young lives.”

The Building Trades sold more than 1,200 tickets to the April 9 game. The annual P-Bruins Hockey event is only one of many fundraisers the RIB&CTC has helped organize for nearly a decade, raising tens of thousands of dollars for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“I am always very humbled and proud to see so many of our dedicated union craftsmen and women come out to support this vital organization,” expressed Sabitoni. “We know the importance of giving back to the communities where we work and raise our families. Collectively and individually we have the wonderful opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of children who are in need of a Big Brother or Big Sister.”